Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced that the Honorable William McGovern sentenced Charles Puryear, age 31, of Newark, to the custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Correction for a period of thirty (30) years.

Mr. Puryear previously pled guilty to 1st degree robbery and a 2nd degree firearm’s offense. The State filed a motion to sentence Mr. Puryear to an extended term as a repeat violent offender and Judge McGovern granted that application. Mr. Puryear must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

The robbery occurred at a motel in Wantage, NJ. The victims, E.F. and H.H., were watching television in their room when they heard a knock at the door. As H.H. got up, the door was forcibly kicked in and Mr. Puryear, and his codefendant Marcus Brown, entered the room armed with firearms. E.F. and H.H. were assaulted and their property was stolen. During the encounter a firearm was discharged inside the motel room. Both victims were injured during the course of the robbery and transported to Morristown Hospital. The Defendant and Marcus Brown were apprehended shortly after the robbery.

The case was investigated by the New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. During the Court proceedings, the State was represented by First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory R. Mueller and Mr. Puryear was represented Elizabeth Smith, Esq.